
The Red River Floodway gates as shown on Friday, March 31, 2017. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
WINNIPEG — Activating the Red River Floodway usually happens in the spring, but the province is warning it may have to operate it beginning Wednesday evening.
Southern Manitoba has been hit recently with an abundance of unseasonal precipitation, paired with more rain and snow in the forecast for this weekend.
Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is monitoring a weather system that could potentially include a Colorado Low making its way up from the U.S.
“Heavy rains across the Red River Basin in September have resulted in river levels at record highs for this time of year. As river levels continue to increase, the province may operate the Red River Floodway under Rule 4 beginning Wednesday evening to lower levels within the city of Winnipeg in advance of this significant precipitation,” the province said in a statement.
The province has already issued a high water advisory for rivers, creeks, and lakes in southern Manitoba, as well as for Whiteshell lakes.